With growing expectations from investors, regulators, employees, and customers, companies are under increasing pressure to set and deliver ambitious corporate goals aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To address complex sustainability challenges, build resilience, maintain short-term performance, and enable long-term growth, businesses must take meaningful action.

To support this journey, the SDG Roadshow is back, visiting key cities across the UK to take a deep dive into the SDGs. Through interactive workshops and high-level roundtables, the events explore how businesses can drive local action on the Goals, build internal buy-in to embed the SDGs across core functions, and foster regional partnerships among sustainability professionals. The event is partnered with DWF, a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services.

Engage with key players from the private sector, local government, and civil society to build cross-sector partnerships that drive more ambitious SDG action. Take advantage of valuable networking opportunities and peer-to-peer learning to share ideas and strategies for advancing sustainability within your organisation. Gain insights into regional sustainability issues and explore how you can play a role in shaping the business ecosystem for sustainability through partnerships and advocacy. Participate in expert-led sessions to gain practical insights on embedding the SDGs across core business functions and strategies.

The SDGs are a blueprint for the change we wish to see in the world, requiring collective action. Hand in hand with government, society, and academics, the Roadshow was designed to make the SDGs local and transfer the goals into action. This was the second trip to Belfast, focusing on collaboration and cooperation to achieve the goals.

One of the highlights was learning about the Belfast Resilience Strategy, which aligns with the SDGs to create a more sustainable and resilient city. With 193 countries signed up for the SDGs, the global commitment to these goals is evident.

Duncan Morrow from Ulster University, Director of Engagement, spoke about leveraging partnerships and encouraging students to come with partnerships in mind as part of their experience. This emphasis on education and collaboration is crucial for the long-term success of the SDGs.

In conclusion, attending the SDG Roadshow was an enlightening experience, reinforcing the importance of collective action and local implementation of the SDGs. By engaging with various stakeholders and learning from experts, we can drive meaningful change and contribute to a sustainable future.